Geoffrey Thomas Molyneux
November 26, 1923 – May 5, 2009
Passed away peacefully in Burnaby at the age of 85 years. Geoff was predeceased by his wife Halina and his brother David in England. He is loved and missed by his daughter Krystyna Bondi (Robert), grandson Nicholas, sister Christine White (Jim) in England, sister-in-law Pam in England, cousin-in-law Irene Kliman of Ann Arbor, Michigan, and nieces and nephews and grandnieces and grandnephews in England.
Geoff was born in Willesden England (near London) and he grew up in Willesden, Romsey and Radlett and attended school in Watford and Letchmore Heath. He left school in 1941 and worked as an editorial assistant on the Daily Sketch newspaper until being called up to serve with the Royal Air Force. He served with the RAF at many locations in the United Kingdom from 1943 to 1947 and was part of the D Day invasion Force in June 1944.
After his war service, he worked at several newspapers in England before coming to Canada in March 1952 where he worked at the Vancouver Province on the night shift as night editor while completing his BA at UBC during the day in 1963 at the age of 40. Geoff was also proud to receive a scholarship to complete his MA in English at the University of Toronto in 1969. After receiving his MA, Geoff was an instructor at both UBC and SFU, associate dean at a community college in Ontario, Director of Research for the federal Progressive Conservative party in Ottawa, and a Director in the Consumer Affairs Ministry in the provincial government in Ontario.
Although Geoff enjoyed all the different paths and places his career took him, his first love was always the newspaper business and BC so he moved back here with his family in 1976 to again join the Vancouver Province. He worked as Editorial Page Editor, Managing Editor and Sunday Editor before finishing his newspaper career writing a political column 3 days a week.
Geoff was a published author of several books including British Columbia: An Illustrated History in 1992 and a revised edition in 2001. He also worked on Medicine, Madames and Mounties and the BC sections of the Chronicle of Canada. Geoff also enjoyed spending time at his hobby farm in Langley and attending dinners and other special occasions with the Bondi family.
Special thanks to the ladies at the 2nd floor nurses station at Seton Villa where Geoff lived the last 10 months of his life.
No service by request. A celebration of his life will take place at a later date.
Condolences may be offered to the family at www.bellburnaby.com
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I am so sorry to learn of Geoff’s passing. He and your mother were an important part of John’s and my life. I would like to be included in the celebration of his life when that happens. Best wishes to you all. Yvonne Sherman.
Krystyna, Your dad and mom were very special to me and I enjoyed many happy times with them talking about sheep, goats bull terriers, politics, education, and just life in general. Their Langley home was an open door, their generosity unmatched. I am truly sorry to learn about your dad’s passing. He was always a true gentleman, well read, articulate, keen to debate and a consummate scholar. Yet with all that, he was never happier than when he was being a ‘farmer’ and talking about his flock. As a dad and grandfather he will be so missed but you have wonderful memories and a lasting legacy. Elizabeth
Krystyna & family – Sorry to read of your dad’s passing. My sympathy to you and your family. I worked with your dad at The Province. His enthusiasm over whatever project he was working on kept us all on our toes. He loved to talk about you and your growing up. Also the sheep and the dogs. He did enjoy his country life. Sheila Dale
Krystyna & family:
Our sincerest condolences on the loss of your Dad, Grand-dad. Geoff & Halina were wonderful next door neighbours for many years on 242 Street. We miss both of them.